What is typically the outcome when balancing billing is performed?

Balancing billing occurs when a healthcare provider bills the patient for the difference between what the insurance has paid and the provider's total charges. Since many insurance policies have a predetermined payment system based on negotiated rates or specific coverage limits, the provider may receive less than their full fee for the service rendered. Therefore, if the provider chooses to balance bill, the patient is responsible for paying that excess amount, which is typically beyond what the insurance has covered. This practice can lead the patient to incur higher out-of-pocket expenses, making it a key characteristic of balancing billing.

In scenarios where the other options are considered, a patient receiving full reimbursement or the provider writing off the excess amount does not align with the practice of balancing billing, as those outcomes would not involve the patient paying more. Similarly, the insurance paying the entire amount contradicts the purpose of balancing billing, which is contingent upon there being a difference the patient needs to cover.